Diego Forlan reiterates he did not refuse to come off the bench. “I have respect for the fans, for Inter and for the shirt I wear.”

Claudio Ranieri suggested he had asked the striker to come on as a substitute in the 0-0 draw with Atalanta, but Forlan had replied he was too tired to play on the wing.

“You can say many things, but now it is important for the people to know the information given by the media was wrong,” the Uruguayan told Inter Channel.

“I have respect for the fans, for Inter and for the shirt I wear, so I did not come here to do something wrong.

“It’s true this is not a good moment, but I want to do well, step on to the field, score goals and help the team.

“If I have to apologise, because someone thought I did the wrong thing, then I am sorry, as I can make mistakes too. However, I want to tell the truth, that there are nasty people who know how to make the most of certain situations.

“We are all united and there is no problem. I’m aware that so far I haven’t done what the fans expected, but I have too much respect for everyone to not give all I’ve got. I haven’t started playing today, so my curriculum speaks for me and can reveal the type of person I am.”